What's Open and Closed on Canada Day in Montreal: July 1, 2018

By Evelyn Reid

Updated 06/21/18

Open and closed Canada Day in Montreal July 1, 2017.
••• Above: a Canada Day reveller spotted at a previous Montreal Canada Day Parade.

George Rose/Getty Images

Canada Day is a public holiday across the country, celebrated July 1. In turn, some businesses and offices close for the occasion, though not as many as during Quebec's Fête Nationale.

When Canada Day falls on a weekend day, then those same businesses and offices generally close on either the Friday prior (if it falls on a Saturday) or Monday after (if it falls on a Sunday). In 2018, it falls on a Sunday.

The open and closed list below sums up what to expect on Canada Day in Montreal, but it isn't exhaustive enough to cover every mom and pop shop, restaurant and retail store, and government branch in town. If in doubt, call the business or agency directly for information. For those of you ready to celebrate, here's a list of Canada Day events and activities in Montreal.

The following are closed on Canada Day in Montreal:

  • banks
  • most city of Montreal offices
  • municipal court
  • most provincial and federal offices
  • many private sector offices
  • shopping malls
  • postal service delivery and Canada Post post offices, with the exception of postal service offices operating in the private sector (often found in the back of pharmacies), which can remain open at their discretion
  • retail stores with the exception of bookstores, flower stores, and antique shops, which can remain open if they wish

Note that because Canada Day in 2018 falls on a Sunday, these same businesses and offices, as a general rule will be closed on Monday, July 2, instead of Sunday, July 1, 2018.

The following are open on Canada Day, July 1, 2018, in Montreal:

  • 311, the city of Montreal's information hotline
  • some dépanneurs (aka corner stores)
  • stores and food outlets located in hospitals, train stations, airports, cultural centres, sports centres and tourism destinations
  • some pharmacies, especially large chains, but hours and staff count may be reduced
  • Grocery stores/supermarkets smaller than 4,036 square feet (375 sq m) can open at their leisure, but hours and staff count may be reduced.
  • Bookstores, flower stores, and antique shops can remain open if they desire.
  • cinemas
  • Montreal Casino (Hint: It's always open.)
  • Montreal observatory Au Sommet PVM
  • Service-based businesses such as hair salons, restaurants, gas stations, and manufacturers are free to remain open at their discretion.
  • Some arenas, swimming pools, gyms, and sports centers remain open and others don't, depending on the neighborhood. Call 311 for details.
  • Parking meters are always in operation (no freebies).
  • Garbage pickups and recycling generally stay on schedule with occasional exceptions; call 311 to double-check.